Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel faces “no choice” but to broaden its military offensive in Gaza, declaring it essential to destroy Hamas, free hostages, and ensure long-term security. Speaking amid mounting global and domestic opposition, he stressed that war cannot end until these objectives have been reached – explicitly linking Israel’s survival with dismantling of Hamas operational capabilities. To read more: Wiki, AP News, ABC30 Fresno
On April 19th 2025, Netanyahu reiterated his longstanding stance and in a public address announced that Israel will not end their conflict until Hamas was dismantled and hostages released, along with rendering their territory incapable of any future threat.
After ceasefire talks stalled and no agreement reached on a hostages-for-truce deal, Netanyahu appears to have hardened his position further and is pushing for an even broader military offensive in Gaza despite warnings from top military officials (AP News/ABC News +15/18 and The Sun/ABC News/16/18).
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In an historic move, Israel’s security cabinet recently approved a plan to occupy Gaza City as part of an ambitious wider campaign targeting Hamas leadership and infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu noted the goal is not “occupation per se”, but rather setting up a “security perimeter” with eventual handoff to friendly Arab forces – according to The Times.
Still, the strategy has provoked considerable disapproval. Some top Israeli military voices such as IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir have voiced serious reservations about its human and strategic costs as well as raising alarm about potential risks to Israeli hostages. Huffingtonpost.es/+8 TIME.
Back home, Israel is experiencing growing unrest. Over 100,000 people demonstrated in Tel Aviv on April 12 to demand a ceasefire and negotiations rather than military escalation; among the protestors were families of hostages calling Netanyahu’s approach a death sentence for their loved ones.
Cadena SER is now offering up its services as part of Cadena SER Internationally, efforts to intensify and occupy Gaza are drawing strong criticism. Governments, humanitarian groups, and global institutions all warn that doing so would exacerbate humanitarian conditions, breach international law, and escalate regional tensions further. * From The Australian: Cadena SER
Netanyahu’s message is unambiguous: Israel will press ahead with its military campaign until Hamas is neutralized and hostages released; yet internal dissatisfaction and international alarm indicate that his “no choice” approach may no longer reflect public sentiment.
